"I want to be a scientist that discovers the galaxies and planets" says Zoe, age 7. "I like to go on field trips because you get to learn new things, and see new things and go to places you've never been before." Zoe attends PS 9 Teunis G. Bergen School in Brooklyn, and thanks to some very involved parents, she had the opportunity to visit the New York Science Museum last year. There is no guarantee for this year, however, because there no school-supplied budget for field trips at PS 9, where 54% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Due to this budget gap, field trips have historically been funded by parents and many have been cancelled because they couldn't collect enough funds.

Field trips are among the most often cited "favorite memories" of early education experiences,
because they are a welcome break in the routine for both students and teachers, and they offer an opportunity to make direct contact with many subjects that are hard to replicate in the classroom.
Zoe's classmate Leah, who wants to be a veterinarian, recalls her trip to the Bronx Zoo as her favorite because "they don't let monkeys in the classroom".

PS 9's parent community is doing something great to preserve the opportunities for hands-on learning. It all started with a clothing drive, which turned existing resources into funds for the school. By getting involved with Schoola, dozens of individuals from all over the country have donated on behalf of PS 9, extending their earning power and bringing their total raised to over $30,000--enough to send all 790 students on 2 fields trips each this year.

But it doesn't stop there--overall, PS 9 is trying to overcome a $160,000 budget shortfall. You can help these kids reach their full potential in and outside of the classroom by shopping, donating or sharing below.

For 2017 and 2018, PS 9 Teunis Bergen raises funds to be used toward programs for PS 9 students.

Here’s how you can help:

It's free & easy to donate to P.S. 9 Teunis G. Bergen!
Just enter your info below and print a shipping label to affix to your own box. Fill either with high-quality clothing for babies on up to adults, and leave your donation for the mail carrier. Schoola will list your items for sale online and turn them into money for our council in no time.